placer mining

Mining technique where raw materials deposited on the surface are extracted by removing the detritus with running water. The mineral may be found in deep channels, in navigable streams, or in estuaries or creeks and rivers where the sea ebbs and flows. When water under pressure is used, the term ...

hydraulic mining

Use of high pressure water sprayed at an area of rock or gravel to break it up, dislodging ore deposits. In this type of mining, gold bearing gravel, usually in a bank, is excavated by the erosive action of a high-pressure stream of water being directed at the bank through a nozzle. The water and ...

open-pit

Technique of surface mining which consists of digging large, open holes in the ground. Also referred to as open-cut mining. It is commonly used with minerals, such as copper and molybdenun. Source: Infomine, Mining Dictionary.

blast

Explosion. Ignition of a charge of dynamite or other explosive to break up, loosen or dislodge rocks in blasting operations.